2016 Mazda MX-5 Global Cup

2016 Mazda MX-5 Global Cup car is an all new version of 2-door roadster designed especially for the competition which should be held in European, Asian and North American tracks. This, specially designed Miata was presented in Las Vegas on November 4, 2014, where Global Cup got the green light and is supposed to start from 2016. More info should follow in the coming months, but at least we know what the cars will look like.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Global Cup Review

Mazda’s own 2.0L Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder engine will be used for the competition. However, we doubt that Mazda will leave it with 168 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. They will use cold-air intake, coil-over suspension and special exhaust among other features, which is supposed to elevate the figures to some extent, but to which, we still don’t know.

Presented car is convertible, but race day form will depend on weather conditions, naturally. Still, let’s leave that to organizers and concentrate on the car itself. Much like current, regular MX-5, Global Cup Miata executes a petite, low-profile, curved body. Nose is lowered and gaping air intake takes the whole front fascia.

Headlights are small and further bolstered by paintjob which stretches across the body. Red was chosen for a background color, while black and white details finish the picture. 2016 Mazda MX-5 Global Cup car was revealed in full racing gear, with cabin cage, special tires and already mentioned paint. It has a neat overhang around the back which features circular tail-lights, blacked-out bumper and one large exhaust cannon.

Manufacturer also felt the need to adapt the cabin for race tracks, and it was to be expected. 2016 Mazda MX-5 Global Cup car features softer, suede-furbished racing wheel with driver information display in its middle. Special suede supportive seat has been used as well, while passenger’s side remains unused and separated by belts.

Dashboard is as simple as it can be an quite different than the one in production models. There are no convenience features at all. This means: no touch screen display, no audio system, and no climate controls. After all, strict sports cars used exclusively for racing aren’t really meant to have these features at all.

Other info is currently unavailable. Figures like fuel economy ratings or price really don’t make any sense. You just won’t be able to buy this car through dealers, or in any other way, for that mater. You’ll have to qualify for the championship in order to drive one. However, at least fuel efficiency can be estimated and it shouldn’t be that much worse than that of current models which return 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Global Cup car might be out, but we won’t see it in action for at least a year or more. This is what makes us edgy as Mazda Global Cup promises to be a fine competition. In fact, any competition featuring Mazda Miata would be exciting. We’ll just have to lay low and wait for a bit.